Published: January 06, 2009

Aviation Soldiers mobilize for Iraq duty

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Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry

Indiana National Guard Spc. Justin Stimson, Rensselaer, Ind. and a supply specialist with Company C, 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Brigade poses for a photo with his daughter, Jaslyne, and his sister, Brittany Yost, prior to the unit's departure ceremony in Shelbyville, Ind.. The unit is scheduled to be mobilized and deployed for nearly a year in support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Indiana National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. -- More Indiana National Guard Soldiers are flying away to answer their nation's call in the Global War in Terrorism.

Their friends, family, loved ones and peers gathered for a mobilization ceremony.

"You're going as a team, and you're going with a great team," said Maj. Gen. Tod Carmony, 38th Infantry Division commander of the approximately 75 Soldiers with Company C, 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Brigade based in Shelbyville, Ind. The 38th Combat Aviation Brigade commander, Col. David C. Wood, agreed.

Indiana National Guard Sgt. Ray Lowry, Lebanon, Ind. and a quality control noncommissioned officer with Company C, 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Brigade, along with his wife, Cherie and son, Nick, listen to a speaker at the unit's departure ceremony in Shelbyville, Ind. Company C is scheduled to be mobilized and deployed for nearly a year in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Indiana National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry

"The Soldiers are ready, and their leadership is outstanding," said Wood.

The 137th troops will train at Fort Sill, Okla. for about two months before departing the states to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Their missions overseas will include providing aviation support for command and control operations and air transportation of personnel, equipment and supplies.

During the ceremony, the leaders praised the Soldiers' families and said their support is vital to those deploying.

"We do want to thank the family members, remember, those who wait also serve," said Maj. Gen. Carmony.

Indiana National Guard Chief Warrant Officer John Degelow, right, UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, talks with his family and Maj. Robb Barlow, 38th Combat Aviation Brigade chaplain, prior to the departure ceremony for the Company C, 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Brigade in Shelbyville, Ind.. Company C is scheduled to be mobilized and deployed for nearly a year in support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Indiana National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry

"That care turns into mission success," said Wood of loved ones' support from the heartland.

Hundreds of loved ones showed up for the ceremony. The Degelow family, Rush County, came out to support Chief Warrant Officer John Degelow a Blackhawk pilot with the unit.

"I'm happy for him," said Brian, one of the pilot's sons. "It's his last hoorah, and I know he's always wanted to go (be deployed.)"

Indiana National Guard Capt. Rodney Gervais, Crown Point, Ind. and Company C, 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation Brigade commander, speaks to his Soldiers and their loved ones at the unit's departure ceremony in Shelbyville, Ind. Company C is scheduled to be mobilized and deployed for nearly a year in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Indiana National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry

The aviator is looking forward to his forthcoming deployment.

"I'm ready to go and do my job," said the pilot.

Company C should be mobilized and deployed for about a year.

The commander of the unit is Capt. Rodney Gervais and the top enlisted Soldier for 1st Sgt. James Hudnall.

In November, nearly 150 brigade Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 238th General Support Aviation mobilized for their deployment to Kuwait.